SINGAPORE - It is “not ideal” for workers to be transported on lorries, but there are genuine concerns from employers about the knock-on effects of a ban, said several government agencies.

On Wednesday morning, the authorities said in a joint statement: “If the companies are unable to operate their businesses, there will be knock-on effects on society, including delays affecting new housing projects, polyclinics and MRT lines, as well as higher costs for all Singaporeans.

“Their employees – both Singaporean and migrant workers – would also risk losing their jobs if the companies close down.”

The joint statement was issued by the Transport Ministry, Land Transport Authority, Manpower Ministry, Building and Construction Authority, Enterprise Singapore, Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore Police Force.

The issue of workers being transported on lorries is in the spotlight after 37 people, including migrant workers, were injured in two lorry accidents in July.

That has led to a renewed push to ban the practice of ferrying workers on lorries. In the past two weeks, two petitions urging safer transport for workers were put up and signed by a total of 100 groups and individuals.

Meanwhile, more than 20 business groups on Tuesday urged the Government to carefully consider any regulatory changes, citing “real, practical and operational” complexities.

On Wednesday, the statement said given the challenges and trade-offs, it had encouraged companies and industry associations to work towards alternative transport arrangements for workers, without removing an exception under the Road Traffic Act that allows for workers to be transported in lorries.

It said existing measures – including mandating that the front passenger cabin be fully occupied before the rear deck can be used to ferry workers – have improved safety and reduced the risks for workers.

The average number of deaths from accidents involving people on board lorries has halved, from about six yearly between 2013 and 2017, to about three a year between 2018 and 2022.

The average number of people injured while on board lorries has also come down by about a third.

In the past five years, people on board lorries – including those sitting in the front passenger cabins – formed, on average, about 4 per cent of the total injured from road traffic accidents each year.

Meanwhile, motorcycles accounted for the highest proportion of injuries, at about 50 per cent yearly.

The statement said: “Hence, our efforts will remain evidence-based and focus on improving safety for all road users.

“We will also continue to roll out measures that address a multitude of factors behind accidents, such as driving behaviours and vehicle speed.”

It reiterated that employers are working with government agencies to roll out another set of measures to improve workers’ safety.

These include putting in place minimum rest-time requirements for dual-role drivers of lorries – workers who also double up as drivers – and arranging for all drivers to be accompanied by a vehicle buddy to check that the driver is alert and able to drive safely.

The Manpower Ministry will carry out spot checks to ensure compliance.

Speed limiters will also be required on all lorries, as announced in March 2022, with more details to be provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs later in 2023.

The statement said that while all parties agree on the importance of safety, there are mixed views on whether the transportation of workers using lorries should be banned.

It added that there are concerns from employers and industry associations that many companies would not be able to continue operating their businesses if the Government imposes a ban.

A significant number of companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, have been grappling with post-pandemic cost increases and business disruptions, and are trying their best to stay afloat and complete their projects on time.

“Beyond financial costs, there are also structural and operational challenges, including the availability of alternative modes of transportation,” the statement added.

For instance, buses may not be suitable for specialist trades, which often require transporting a small crew of workers with equipment or goods, or both, to several locations in a day. “The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of bus drivers in Singapore, as we had seen with school buses.”

The statement said the Government is committed to improving safety for road users and working with parties including non-governmental organisations to develop practical solutions in the best interests of workers, to protect their safety and livelihoods.

The issue of how migrant workers are transported came up in Parliament on Wednesday.

Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng again called for urgent action to prevent road accidents involving workers.

He asked the Government to consider forming a workgroup - comprising firms, non-governmental organisations and other groups - to discuss the need for a timeline towards an eventual ban on ferrying workers on lorries.

Responding, Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor said an existing inter-agency group already comprises many of these representatives.